Home improvement expenses in Washington and Oregon have risen consistently since the 2020 pandemic due to growing material and labor costs. In the ever-changing remodel market, understanding the price of your next flooring renovation is vital. Let's explore the projected costs for installing Laminate and Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP) flooring in 2024.
Material Cost - Planks
As you may have noticed reading "laminate cost articles", laminate and luxury vinyl plank prices vary widely among different suppliers. This range is influenced by factors such as the quality of materials, brand reputation, and additional features offered by different suppliers. Recognizing these aspects is crucial to navigating the diverse price range and making informed choices. The average homeowner typically shops for laminate and LVP at Home Depot, Lowes, Floor & Decor and other nationwide home improvement retailers. Others with a preference for higher quality or specialized planks will look into retailers such as Floor City in Vancouver, Washington or Portland FLOOR off Canyon Rd. These stores offer a wide variety of laminate/LVP options and come highly recommended by local home owners. Below is a graph with a small, yet revealing data set for local laminate/LVP flooring prices.
*Using Local Stores in Vancouver/Portland Area that have prices listed on Google
Store | Product | Lowest Price | Highest Price | Average Price |
Home Depot | Laminate | $0.71/Sqft | $3.39/Sqft | $1.87/Sqft |
Home Depot | LVP | $1.79/Sqft | $8.71/Sqft | $5.25/Sqft |
Lowes | Laminate | $0.89/Sqft | $6.36/Sqft | $3.63/Sqft |
Lowes | LVP | $1.28/Sqft | $7.72/Sqft | $4.50/Sqft |
Portland Floor | Laminate | $2.52/Sqft | $4.27/Sqft | $3.40/Sqft |
Portland Floor | LVP | $3.25/Sqft | $7.92/Sqft | $5.59/Sqft |
LL Flooring | Laminate | $0.69/Sqft | $4.99/Sqft | $2.84/Sqft |
LL Flooring | LVP | $0.99/Sqft | $2.99/Sqft | $1.99/Sqft |
Floor & Decor | Laminate | $0.58/Sqft | $5.39/Sqft | $2.99/Sqft |
Floor & Decor | LVP | $0.99/Sqft | $5.49/Sqft | $3.24/Sqft |
No Tax | No Discount | Local Average | Laminate | $2.95/Sqft |
No Tax | No Discount | Local Average | LVP | $4.11/Sqft |
Local Averages (No Tax, No Discount)
Laminate: $2.95 per square foot
LVP: $4.11 per square foot
Underlayment
Underlayment is a critical component, typically made of thin materials like foam, cork, felt, or rubber. While it creates a smooth surface for the final flooring, its importance extends beyond that. Homeowners should consider the additional benefits that underlayment offers, tailoring their choice to the specific requirements of different flooring types. Not all laminate and LVP floors need underlayment placed prior to installation, but it is very common to need this thin layer for your next laminate or LVP floor. Underlayment costs range from $0.16 per square foot for thin foam material to $1.85 per square foot for sound and waterproof membranes. Most projects use a moderate quality underlayment costing on average $0.22 per square foot.
Old Floor - Demolition
Depending on what will be removed the price of demolition (demo) can range from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Factors to consider include square footage, floor type, work environment difficulty, and the homeowner's cooperation (just kidding). The demo price typically includes; floor removal, site clean up, hauling, transfer station (Dump) fees, and all the labor involved each step of the way. Here are the average costs for removing various floor types in Washington State and Oregon (excluding asbestos or extremely glued flooring situations):
Laminate/LVP: $0.50 - $2.25 per square foot (Average: $1.38)
Vinyl Sheet & Linoleum: $0.75 - $6.00 per square foot (Average: $3.38)
Tile: $2.00 - $9.00 per square foot (Average: $5.50)
Hardwoods: $1.25 - $9.00 per square foot (Average: $5.125)
Bamboo Floors: $2.00 - $15.00 per square foot (Average: $8.50)
Carpet: $0.15 - $1.00 per square foot (Average: $0.58)
*Factors to Consider for Demolition Costs
When delving into the intricacies of demolition costs, it's essential to consider various factors that can influence the overall expenses. One crucial aspect is the potential presence of asbestos-containing materials, which, if identified, may lead to additional costs and demand specialized handling. Asbestos removal requires adherence to strict safety protocols and regulations, contributing to the complexity and expense of the demolition process. Homeowners should be vigilant about identifying such materials and factor in the associated costs to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the budget for their flooring renovation project.
Installation Labor Costs
The installation costs for laminate and LVP wood planks are typically very similar, so for this instance the average install price will cover both types of flooring. Labor pricing can vary across regions; however, let's examine an appropriate average price for homeowners in Washington and Oregon.
Where do we get the data?
Local Flooring Contractors (Portland, Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Ridgefield): $1.00 - $6.00 per square foot (Average: $3.50)
Homewyse Average Rate (Multiple WA/OR Zip Codes): $7.35 per square foot
Wisercosts Rate (Multiple WA/OR Zip Codes): $3.54 per square foot
Promatcher Rate (Multiple WA/OR Zip Codes): $5.30 per square foot
Home Depot Expected Installation: $2.50 per square foot
Homeyou Expected Installation Cost (WA/OR Zip Codes): $3.80 per square foot
Howmuch.net Expected Installation Cost: $5.00 per square foot
The average installation price in Washington State and Oregon is approximately $4.43 per square foot for 2024. This average can vary based on location and other project-specific factors.
*Factors to Consider for Labor Costs
When examining labor installation costs, it's crucial to take into account the availability of skilled workers in your area. A high demand for skilled labor may lead to increased rates, while regions with a surplus of skilled workers may offer more competitive prices. It's also essential to be mindful of and adhere to local building codes and regulations, as compliance can affect the scope of work and potentially impact labor costs. Staying informed about the local economic climate and market conditions is vital for understanding potential fluctuations in labor rates and facilitating more accurate budgeting for your flooring project.
Total Project Cost for 2024
Now, with insights into material costs, demolition expenses, and installation labor, let's get a clear overview of the expected prices for your upcoming flooring renovation in 2024.
Material Costs:
Laminate: $2.95 per square foot.
Luxury Vinyl Planks (LVP): $4.11 per square foot.
Underlayment: $0.22 per square foot.
Demolition Costs:
Average: $4.77 per square foot (includes tile, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, hardwood, and bamboo removal).
Labor Costs:
Average installation: $4.43 per square foot for both laminate and LVP.
Project Example: 1200 Square foot single story home doing a complete floor remodel
Details:
In this project;
1200 square feet of new laminate installed
800 square feet of carpet removed
200 square feet of tile removed
200 square feet of old hardwood removed
New Laminate planks cost $3.50 per square foot from supplier
This complete 1200 Square foot flooring renovation has an expected average cost of $12,101 for Washington and Oregon homeowners in 2024. These prices may vary from contractor to contractor, but let this serve as yet another helpful guide before your new flooring remodel.
Before diving into your flooring project across Washington and Oregon, don't forget the nitty-gritty of regional quirks that can sway your budget. Urban hustle versus rural calm, local market demands, supplier and contractor availability, and the logistics dance of transportation all throw their own curveballs into the mix. Whether it's the faster pace in city centers or the transportation logistics racking up expenses in the more remote areas, being in the know about your region's unique dynamics is key. From navigating local building codes to the fluctuation of the labor market, every regional nuance plays a role in shaping material and labor costs. So, team up with your local suppliers and contractors, gather those quotes, and tailor your decisions to the unique feel of your local area.
Check out this FREE calculator Washington and Oregon Laminate Installation Cost 2024 for homeowners looking to calculate their total laminate installation cost. I created this using a wide data set, some of which is linked in this article. It is totally free to use and I WILL NOT ask for your email or information to use it.
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